The pieces are coming together for Dan and Jim. After another planning session, their wedding has truly begun to take shape.

Their second planning meeting began Paisley and Jade's studio, where a vision began to emerge. With the help of Casey Godlove of Strawberry Fields and Morgan Montgomery of Paisley and Jade's, the couple's themes of "Restoration Hardware" and "Cozy Library" came together to inspire the perfect altar backdrop. Constructed of reclaimed wood with metal shelving and a vintage ladder for shape, the backdrop will feature close photos, trinkets, and personal items of Dan and Jim's, as well as some funky airplants, natural greenery, and pops of neutral flowers. The clean lines of metal, wood, and leather once again portray masculinity while utilizing the navy, slate blue, gray and green color palette that the couple had established.

Guests of the wedding will be treated to a mixture of wicker chairs from Lewis Ginter and soft upholstered seating from Paisley and Jade's. Dan and Jim will say their vows while standing on a cozy oriental rug after walking down the aisle to their close friend Georgia singing their processional. Decisions weren't easy for the men though, confronted with so many wonderful choices Jim exclaimed "Oh gosh no, please don't make us pick out of all these things!"

Dan and Jim are planning to prepare for the ceremony separately, going so far as to pick out their attire independently in order to truly be surprised by each other during their "first look" at Linden Row Inn on their wedding day. From there they will travel together via James Limousine and share a quiet moment alone before pictures and the craziness at Lewis Ginter.

No wedding day is complete without cake, and after Paisley and Jade, Dan and Jim stopped by Sweet Fix to taste some incredible cakes. After testing a few options they ultimately decided on a lavender cake with lavender honey buttercream as well as a dark chocolate cake with salted caramel buttercream. After discovering that she and Dan were old acquaintances from their Gallery 5 days, Amanda Robinson of Sweet Fix began working on the designs and will be presenting them to the couple soon.

To end the day, the couple headed over to Strawberry Street Cafe to discuss the rehearsal dinner and the Hardywood reception ideas, and enjoy a much deserved glass of wine.

Just a few days after Christmas, Caroline and brother sat in her car while running errands. Music was playing from Caroline’s iPhone and her brother went to change the song. That’s when he noticed her phone’s background, a rainbow-clad image associated with LGBTQ pride. Without warning, he asked his sister, “Are you gay?”